Apparatus and process for amateur ductless hvac installation

ABSTRACT

A ductless HVAC system solution is described. The system is configured for easy installation by an amateur, and therefore does not require a license, expensive tools, or much time to install. The system is equipped with pre-charged refrigerant piping, which are designed to contain the recommended pressure of requisite refrigerant. A quick-release valve system ensures refrigerant does not leak from the pre-charged refrigerant piping during installation by an amateur. The system may be controlled manually or remotely via WiFi. Thus, the system features a double-sealing system with a unique automatic safety valve which releases the refrigerant only when the indoor and outdoor components are connected and sealed, thus avoiding any potential leakage.

CONTINUITY

This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/718,009, filed on Sep. 28, 2017 of provisional patent application No. 62/400,889, filed on Sep. 28, 2016, and priority is claimed thereto.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to HVAC systems, and more specifically relates to a duct-free HVAC solution, configured to be safely installed and maintained by an amateur without professional assistance.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry designs and manufactures air conditioner and heat pump systems that modify air temperature in residential and commercial buildings. Such products are typically distributed through a chain of HVAC contractors who are also responsible for the installation and warranty support of the product. This system has resulted in a modern marketplace with very high costs for the end-user. Product technology and design is the main force driving these high costs.

Historically, air conditioners and heat pumps relied on chemical refrigerants to move heat in or out of the interior environment. While the exact chemical formula has changed over the years, chemical refrigerants are the best technology by which to modify interior air temperature, but their presence in the system vastly complicates the installation process. Professional personnel rely on specialized equipment like a vacuum pump in order to properly charge a system in the field. This requirement virtually guarantees the average homeowner cannot install or maintain the product they purchase themselves.

Socioeconomic factors further stratified air conditioners and heat pumps into expensive products requiring specialist assistance to utilize. The mid-20th century emphasis on large, suburban homes allowed duct-connected systems to dominate the marketplace, since a ducted system is the most efficient way to condition such spaces. The reliance on ductwork carried intrinsic costs of its own while further emphasizing the necessity of specialist training to properly install any purchased product. Only the most technologically sophisticated end-users could purchase and install their own home HVAC system without relying on expensive, skilled labor.

Compounding the cost problem, HVAC manufacturers systematically divided the domestic market into territories where only one or two wholesale distributors could provide product to a similarly limited number of field installation companies. HVAC manufacturers often required such field installation companies to complete specific training courses in order to be officially certified to install the manufacturer's product. Non-certified installation often voids the warranty agreement.

Market division of this nature simplified the distribution chain, but it decreased competition in local markets. It also allowed field installation companies to greatly inflate the product price by 100% or more. The installation companies could do so, because their skills were required to install and service the complicated, ducted technology most readily available. The near monopoly some local companies held on certain brands reinforced the tendency to inflate price.

Overall, manufacturer emphasis on field refrigerant charging, ducted systems, specialized labor, and stringent warranty requirements created a market in which the end-user is forced to pay many times the manufacturing cost of the product in order to purchase and install it.

The room air conditioner was the first attempt to simplify the product for the end-user. Brugler proposed a system that was self-contained and pre-charged. It could be installed through a large hole cut into a wall to allow the condenser access to the exterior environment while the evaporator distributed conditioned air into the interior. The design is fundamentally sound, but has its own problems.

The requisite compact footprint of the design forced a compromise in terms of capability. The miniaturized coils and compressor condition air, but at decreased efficiency compared to traditional ducted installations. Higher energy costs in the intervening years have exacerbated the problem.

Air distribution is another problem with the room air conditioner. The through-the-wall or window installation combined with a comparably simple fan limit the design's ability to move air effectively throughout an interior environment.

Manganaro (U.S. Pat. No. 3,611,743A) shows essentially a room air conditioner, but one that is divided between a separate interior air handler and an exterior condenser. Flexible connections allowed great installation versatility and simplified installation. Unfortunately, the reliance on a standard wall outlet for power generation limited the product operating capacity. The refrigerant line coupling point was also inferior compared to conventional connections at the time and modern techniques.

Pre-charged refrigerant lines for manufactured housing were another means by which it was attempted to simplify the installation process. Rembold et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,587 B2) fabricated an invention that allowed a fixed length, pre-charged line to be quickly field installed in a conventional, ducted split system in manufactured housing. This was innovated due to the fact that most manufactured housing was sold with an HVAC system included in the design. The standardized nature of manufactured housing allowed both the split system components and the refrigerant line to be appropriately pre-charged to adequately condition the known interior environment.

Unfortunately, this design alone is inadequate to deal with the innumerable variables found in non-manufactured housing. Stick-built homes vary tremendously in terms of architectural characteristics, requisite HVAC operating capacity, and local factors. These make it difficult or impossible to use a pre-charged line of specific length with a ducted split system.

The most sophisticated approach to simplifying HVAC technology for the end-user was the design taught by Lingrey et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 8,850,832 B2). Essentially, it combined Rembold et al. pre-charged refrigerant lineset with Manganaro's compact split system and other modern HVAC innovations. The result is a flexible split system that can be readily installed without sophisticated training.

The downside of the Lingrey et al. ductless mini-split is its reliance on a standard wall outlet for power, and its use of a locking lever-style dual-refrigerant connector. The lock lever-style connection can operate effectively, but it is prone to leaking and can be difficult to detach without suffering refrigerant lost after the connection is made. If the end-user desired to move the system and lost refrigerant in the process of disconnecting the lock lever connection, a skilled technician would be required to correctly charge the system.

In brief, the previous efforts to field a heat pump or air conditioner that may be easily installed by the end-user suffer a number of disadvantages:

(a) Overall energy efficiency has been a problem with many of the room air conditioner designs. Efficiency optimization was not a major consideration for HVAC products when Brugler (1969) and Manganaro (1971) created their designs, but the market has changed considerably in the intervening four decades. Federal law holds manufacturers to higher standards than in the past. Eco-conscious and cost-concerned consumers also expect HVAC products to meet certain thresholds.

(b) The principle advantage a simpler HVAC product offers the end-user is the ability to utilize air conditioning technology without being forced to handle and/or manipulate chemical refrigerants. Virtually all previous designs strive towards this paradigm, but many fall short in one way or another. Some create connection points prone to leakage while others are difficult to disengage once the line is connected to the condenser. The former defeats the purpose of the product in the first place while the latter may merely prolong the period before a skilled technician is required to service the operating system.

(c) The trend to rely on a standard electrical wall outlet to power the unit eliminates the need for an electrician to wire the system, but can drastically reduce the potential capacity any such system might produce. This drastically limits the application of such products. As some of the designs require cutting through a wall for installation, the versatility offered by reliance on a wall outlet as opposed to conventional wiring is compromised.

(d) Inadequate airflow and uneven distribution is a perennial problem for room air conditioners. The ability to install in an existing window frame grants flexibility, but severely limits airflow movement in a target zone. The aforementioned reliance on a wall outlet electrical connection also limits the power available to operate the interior fan. Ineffective conditioned air control serves to limit the applications in which such a product can reasonably function.

Thus, there is a need for a new HVAC ductless system, configured for simplified installation by an amateur that has greater efficiency than present duct-free designs on the market, has adequate airflow, is not necessarily reliant on a wall outlet for power, is pre-charged with chemical refrigerants, and may be controlled remotely via a WiFi connection.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

This Summary of the Invention is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with one embodiment an improved apparatus and process for amateur ductless HVAC installation comprises a pre-charged evaporator and condenser, connecting pre-charged refrigerant lines, Wi-Fi control capability, wall-mounting bracket, and electrical connectors. The present invention includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

Accordingly, several advantages of one or more aspects of the present invention are preferably as follows: to provide an HVAC system that does not require connection to ductwork, that can be installed without special tools, which, when operational, provides a leak-free seal between the refrigerant lines and the main components. The system of the present invention can be mounted high on a wall to evenly distribute conditioned air throughout a zone. Additionally, the system can be manufactured in varying capacities to address variable air comfort needs, and that can be safely disconnected without refrigerant loss should movement be required, that will effectively provide cooling and/or heating, and that will function at an efficiency level in line with current consumer and industry expectations.

The present invention is unique in that it requires no specialized tools to install. Additionally, the lines do not need to be vacuumed or pressurized with refrigerant since all units are pre-charged with refrigerant during manufacturing. The charged refrigerant should not be released into the atmosphere during a normal installation. All conventional split systems and most ductless split systems require the lines be vacuumed and the refrigerant charged during installation. In short, this means that no special training is required to install the basic system components of the present invention, in contrast to existing split systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a ductless HVAC system installed with an interior air handling unit connected via conduit cable to an exterior condenser and an electrical wire connecting the condenser to an exterior breaker box in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a ductless air handling unit installed on an interior wall in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a partial view of condenser electrical and refrigerant connections in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the remote control and WiFi dongle connector of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 displays a ductless condenser installed on the exterior ground in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart detailing the process of installation of the indoor unit of the system of the present invention by an amateur.

FIG. 7 details a flow chart showing the process of installation of the outdoor unit of the system of the present invention by an amateur.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electrical connections for a ductless HVAC condenser.

FIG. 9 show a cross-section of conduit cable with pre-charged refrigerant lines, electrical wire, and drain hose.

FIG. 10 displays a perspective view of electrical wire connecting ductless HVAC condenser to an exterior breaker box.

FIG. 11 exhibits a view of the overall system of the present invention conceptually, partially installed.

FIG. 12 depicts a cutaway close-up view of the female quick-connect connector disposed on the pre-charged refrigerant piping (lines) of the present invention as seen from the side.

FIG. 13 depicts a cutaway close-up view of the quick-connect connector connected and installed to the quick-connect connector disposed on the condenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The present invention is a ductless HVAC system configured for simplified installation by an amateur without an HVAC license or certification. The system of the present invention includes an indoor unit (10) and an outdoor unit (20). The indoor unit (10) is in communication with the outdoor unit (20) via pre-charged refrigerant piping (30), a signal cable (40), and at least one power cable (50) configured to connect to at least one electrical connection point (125), also referenced as a terminal block.

In short, when packaged, the system and apparatus of the present invention is preferably bundled with the following components:

the indoor unit (10), the outdoor unit (20), a mounting plate (60), clip anchors (70), screws, a remote control (80), pre-charged refrigerant piping (30), an air freshening filter (55), at least one seal (90), a drain joint (95), and user manuals.

An optional remote control holder (15) may also be included in some embodiments of the present invention, which is configured to hold the remote control (80).

The system of the present invention is preferably equipped with a ductless HVAC condenser, a mounting plate (60), a condenser grill (115), and a condenser electrical cover (105). The condenser grill (115) is disposed in communication with the ductless HVAC condenser. The ductless HVAC condenser is preferably equipped with electrical wiring disposed within the condenser electrical cover, and is configured to power the system of the present invention via conventional household current. The present invention employs conventional refrigerants; however they are preinstalled to the factory recommended pressure. The ductless HVAC condenser is equipped with a condenser refrigerant cover (135), which is configured to house condenser refrigerant connection points (85) exhibiting a quick-connector mechanism (65) of the present invention. Mounting rails (45) and mounting plates (60) are included with the system, and are employed to mount the system in the preferred location selected by the user.

As with conventional systems, an air filter (35) is preferably employed to filter the air, despite the lack of ducts of the system. Conduit cabling, in communication with a breaker box conveys power to the system via the at least one power cable (50). A drain pipe (25) is disposed near a bottom of both the indoor unit (10) and the outdoor unit (20) of the present invention, and is configured to drain excess condensation of the system.

The present invention is unique in that no vacuum is required on the refrigerant lines, providing for installation by an amateur. Additionally, no refrigerant charging is necessary during installation, unlike conventional ducted HVAC units. Valves (75) of the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30) (disposed at both ends of each iteration of pre-charged refrigerant piping, as well as on the connection points (85) themselves) can be closed, and the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30) may be removed to move the unit (the entire indoor unit (10) and outdoor unit (20)) after installation, maintaining the refrigerant within the system and within the refrigerant piping (30) during transit. Unlike other conventional window units, the system of the present invention is configured to be wired directly into a breaker box, such that the production capacity may be larger than conventional ductless HVAC units that rely on a wall plug outlet, helping to better meet the needs of the end user.

A front panel of the indoor unit (10) is equipped with function buttons, which may also be controlled remotely via the remote control (80) or a connected mobile device. The function buttons include, but are not limited to an ON/OFF button, a MODE button, a COOL button, and a HEAT button. Function buttons are preferably also present on the remote control (80).

The process of installation of the indoor unit (10) of the present invention by an amateur, as shown in FIG. 6, is preferably as follows:

1. First, the amateur selects an installation location. (200) The amateur should ensure that the selected installation location meets the following standards: adequate air circulation, convenient drainage, noise is minimized such that it does not disturb other people, a location that is strong enough to support the weight of the indoor unit (10), a firm and solid location for the outdoor unit (20), and a location that is at least one meter away from all other electrical devices, such as a TV, radio, computer, etc.

2. Then, the amateur attaches the mounting plate (60) to the interior wall at the selected location. (210) The mounting plate is the device on which the amateur will mount the indoor unit (10) within the structure. To attach the mounting plate (60), the user removes the mounting plate (60) from the packaging of the indoor unit (10), places the mounting plate (60) against the wall in a location that meets the standards above, and then drills holes for mounting screws in locations which are equipped with studs such that they may support the weight of the indoor unit (10).

3. Then, the amateur drills a hole in the wall for connective piping, including the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30), the drainage pipe (25), and the signal cable (40), which connects the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. (220) To do so, the amateur determines the location of the wall hole based on the position of the mounting plate. The wall hole should be at least 90 mm (3.54 inches) from the side of the unit, and at a slightly lower angle to facilitate drainage via the drain pipe (25). The amateur then uses a 90 mm core drill to drill a hole in the wall, making sure that the hole is drilled at a slight downward angle such that the outdoor end of the hole is lower than the indoor end by 5-7 mm to ensure proper water drainage. It should be noted that the amateur should be careful to avoid wires, plumbing, and other sensitive components when drilling. The hole is preferably sloped five degrees from the interior of the structure to the exterior of the structure, through the wall.

4. The amateur then places a protective wall cuff into the drilled hole from the outside. (230) The protective wall cuff protects the edges of the hole, and will help to seal it when the amateur finishes the installation process.

5. Then, the amateur prepares the refrigerant piping for installation by first selecting a side from which the piping will exit the indoor unit. (240) The amateur connects the indoor refrigerant piping to the connective piping, which will join the indoor unit (10) to the outdoor unit (20). (250) Based on the position of the wall hole relative to the mounting plate, the amateur then determines the necessary angle of the piping. The amateur grips the refrigerant piping at the two ends of the bend, and slowly, with evenly applied pressure, bends the piping towards the hole. (255) The amateur should be sure to avoid denting or damaging the piping during the process.

6. Next, the amateur connects the drain hose to the indoor unit to the same side of the indoor unit that the refrigerant piping exits the indoor unit. (260) The amateur attaches a drain hose extension (if necessary) to the end of the drain hose. The amateur should be sure to wrap the connection point firmly with Teflon TM tape to ensure a good seal, and to prevent leaks. For the portion of the drain hose that remains indoors, the amateur should wrap it with foam pipe insulation to prevent condensation. To test the setup, the amateur should then remove the air filter from the indoor unit and pour a small amount of water into the drain pan to ensure that water flows from the indoor unit smoothly, out of the drain hose. (270)

7. Then, the amateur positions the power wire outside, away from the indoor unit, to be later connected to the outdoor unit. (280) The signal cable (40) between the air handler (indoor unit) and the condenser (outdoor unit) is preferably connected to the air handler at the factory. The signal cable (40) enables communication between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The preferred power cable (50) for the indoor unit (10) is preferably H05VV-F or H05V2V2-F. The power cable (50) of the outdoor unit (20) is preferably a H07RN-F cable, and the signal cable (40) connecting the indoor unit (10) to the outdoor unit (20) is preferably a H07RN-F cable. The installing amateur is advised to take caution, and to follow any and all electrical regulations.

8. The amateur then bundles the pre-charged refrigerant piping, drain hose, and signal cable together in a bundle in order to protect them, insulate them, and to save space. (290) The bundling can be seen in FIG. 10. The drain hose must be disposed on the bottom of the bundle as shown, as placing the drain pipe at the top of the bundle can cause the drain pan to overflow, which can lead to fire or water damage.

9. The amateur then slowly passes the wrapped bundle of pre-charged refrigerant pipes, drain hose, and signal wire through the hole in the wall. (300)

10. Then, the amateur mounts the indoor unit to the mounting plate by hooking the top of the indoor unit to the upper hook of the mounting plate. (310)

11. The amateur should then check to ensure that the indoor unit is hooked firmly on the mounting plate by applying a slight pressure to the left and right-hand sides of the indoor unit. (320) Ideally, the indoor unit should not wiggle or shift under the pressure when installed correctly and securely.

12. Then, the amateur should apply even pressure to the bottom of the indoor unit until the indoor unit snaps onto the hooks along the bottom of the mounting plate. (330) The amateur should check again that the indoor unit is firmly mounted by applying slight pressure to the indoor unit to ensure that it does not budge.

13. The indoor unit installation is now complete. (340)

The installation process of the outdoor unit (20), as performed by an amateur, and as shown in FIG. 7 is preferably as follows:

1. First, the amateur selects a location for installation of the outdoor unit, which meets the requirements listed below. Namely, the location should have good air circulation, a firm and solid foundation to minimize vibration, and is not subject to prolonged periods of direct sunlight or rain. (400)

2. Then, the amateur installs a drain joint to the bottom of the outdoor unit prior to placement of the outdoor unit in the selected location. (410) Installation of the drain joint may require use of a rubber seal and/or a drain hose extension if needed.

3. Next, the amateur anchors the outdoor unit to the ground, or to a wall-mounted bracket, in the selected desired (and safe) location. (420) The outdoor unit may be installed to the ground, on a mounting platform, or on a wall bracket designed for ductless mini-split condensers. A concrete pad may be poured, however thick plastic pads are also conventionally used. The amateur should mark the positions for four expansion bolts used for mounting the outdoor unit to a concrete platform/foundation. The amateur drills holes for the expansion bolts into the concrete, and cleans any concrete dust away from the holes prior to placement of the expansion bolts. Per convention, the amateur places a nut on the end of each expansion bolt, and hammers the expansion bolts into the drilled holes. The amateur then removes the nuts, and places the outdoor unit onto the bolts. A washer is then placed on each expansion bolt, and the nuts are then tightened down on the expansion bolts, securing the outdoor unit to the platform. A wrench is preferably used to tighten the nuts until snug.

4. Then, the amateur connects the signal cable and the power cable to the outdoor unit. (430) A terminal block is disposed on the outside unit, which is protected by an electrical wiring cover disposed on the side of the outdoor unit. A wiring diagram is preferably present on the interior of the wiring cover to facilitate proper installation.

5. Next, the amateur begins connecting the refrigerant piping to the outdoor unit. (440) To facilitate connection of the refrigerant piping, the refrigerant piping ends are individually labeled, preferably with the letters ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ and ‘D.’ Additionally, the connectors disposed on the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are also labeled with corresponding letters. To begin, the amateur first removes the water shield of the outdoor unit, providing access to the connectors of the outdoor unit. (450) Then, the amateur removes the plastic seals from the outdoor unit connectors and the appropriate refrigerant pipes just prior to connection of the refrigerant piping. (455) The amateur aligns the appropriate refrigerant pipes such that they line up with the connectors, and are not stressed. The amateur then screws the refrigerant piping on loosely by hand. (460) Then, the amateur tightens a bottom screw connector first, and then a top screw connector second, using an open ended wrench. The amateur holds a point marked “1” using the open-ended spanner and turns the nuts of the refrigerant piping only at the points marked with a “2.” (470) It should be noted that the refrigerant pipes must be connected to the connectors on the outdoor unit with as little stress as possible. Additionally, as the coupling of the refrigerant piping employs tapping rings, the system may leak if the connection is removed and then reconnected.

6. Then, the amateur checks that all of the connections are sealed correctly by using a leak detection spray, or conventional soap and water. (480) If any bubbles are seen, the system is demonstrating a leak, and the screw connectors must be retightened using the open-ended spanner.

7. Once it is determined that there are no leaks in the system, the amateur removes the top cover disposed on the top valve/connector, turning it counter-clockwise as far as possible, opening the valve. (490) It should be noted that the valve must be opened fully in order to prevent system malfunction and/or damage. The amateur should then screw the top cover back on to the top valve/connector, and tighten it to ensure it is sealed. (500)

8. Then, the amateur removes the bottom cover from the bottom valve, and opens the valve by turning the valve counter-clockwise as far as possible, fully opening the valve. (510) The amateur then reattaches the bottom cover, and tightens the screws so as to ensure that the cover is properly sealed. (520)

9. The amateur then checks each connection once more with leak detection spray, or with conventional soap and water. If any bubbles are present, a leak has been detected, and the connectors to the valves must be retightened using an open-ended spanner. (530)

10. Installation of the outdoor unit (20) is now complete. (540) The amateur then starts the system of the present invention such that operating pressures build up within the indoor unit (10) and outdoor unit (20). (550) A final check for leaks with a leak detection spray or soap and water should be conducted after activation.

11. After checking for leaks during operation, the amateur should allow the system to run for at least 30 minutes. The amateur may activate the system via the on/off button on the indoor unit (10), or via the remote control (80). The amateur should press the ‘MODE’ button of the remote control (80) to select ‘COOL,’ and select the lowest possible temperature, testing the cooling of the system. Then, the amateur should press the ‘MODE’ button of the remove control (80) to select HEAT, and select the highest possible temperature. Each should run for approximately five minutes, during which time, the following checks should be performed:

-   -   Ensure the unit is properly grounded     -   Ensure that all electrical terminals are properly covered     -   Ensure that the indoor unit (10) and outdoor unit (20) are         solidly installed in position     -   Ensure that all refrigerant pipe (30) connection points (85) do         not leak     -   Ensure that water drains properly from the drain hose (25)     -   Ensure that all piping is properly insulated     -   Ensure that the system performs the COOL function properly     -   Ensure that the system performs HEAT function properly     -   Ensure that the indoor unit (10) louvers rotate properly     -   Ensure that the indoor unit (10) responds to the input of the         remote control (80)

It should be noted that the system of the present invention should not be installed in proximity to the following: near any source of heat, steam, or combustible gas, near flammable items such as curtains or clothing, near a doorway, near obstacles that may block air circulation, or in a location subject to direct sunlight. Additionally, it should be noted that if the unit is frequently exposed to heavy rain or snow, the amateur should build a shelter above the unit so as to protect it from rain or now. The amateur should be careful to not allow the shelter to obstruct air flow around the outdoor unit.

The system of the present invention is preferably equipped with a Bluetooth TM receiver and/or WiFi dongle, which enables the present invention to connect to, and be manipulated from, a mobile device such as a mobile phone, tablet, or smart watch. The system employs conventional pairing techniques to connect the mobile device to the system of the present invention. By this connection, the end user of the system of the present invention may manipulate the temperature of the room via his or her mobile device, without the need to use the remote control (80). Additionally, programmable settings may be introduced, such as activating the system upon entry or proximity, activating the system at a specific temperature at specific times of day/month/year, as well as deactivating the system once a temperature threshold has been reached. In such embodiments, the indoor unit (10) is preferably outfitted with a proximity sensor.

Additionally, it should be understood that three primary embodiments of the system and method of the present invention are preferably available. Namely, the difference between the three embodiments relates to the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30). In a first primary embodiment, the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30) is connected to the indoor unit (10) at the factory during manufacturing, while remaining disconnected from the outdoor unit (20). In a second embodiment, the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30) is pre-connected for the amateur installer to the outdoor unit. In a third embodiment, the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30) is remains disconnected from both the indoor unit (10) and the outdoor unit (20) for packaging and shipping of the system of the present invention. It should be understood that, in all embodiments of the present invention, the refrigerant charge in the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30) is pre-balanced for installation, meaning that no additional charging is necessary in installation unlike normal mini-split installations.

It should also be understood that the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30) of the present invention is equipped with internal quick-release valves referenced as female quick-connect connectors (500), which are designed to open upon proper seating of the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30) to male quick-connect connectors (510) disposed on the indoor unit (10) and outdoor unit (20), two valves per pre-charged refrigerant pipe (30) (one at each end of each pipe), for a total of four valves.

As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the male quick-connect connectors (510) and corresponding female quick-connect connectors (500) are configured to interlock securely when attached together. As such, the female quick-connect connector (500) is equipped with an opening (550) configured to receive the male quick-connect connector (510) as seen in FIG. 12. A spring (530) disposed within a housing (520) of the female quick-connect connector (500) is compressed, pushing a pin (560) inwards upon attaining a firm seal to the male quick-connect connector (510), which opens a valve disposed within the female quick-connect connector (500). The valve is a function of the pin (560) and spring (530) together, as well as at least one seal (540). A similar function occurs within the male quick-connect connector (510) as shown in FIG. 13, which depicts the connectors connected together with the spring compressed.

As such, it should be noted that the pin (560) of each quick-connect connector (500) is pushed in tandem with the spring. It should similarly be understood, per FIGS. 12 and 13, that there is a spring component on both the male and female portions of the connectors. When the two connectors (male quick-connect connector (510) and female quick-connect connector (500)) come together and interlock, each opens a pressurized seal on the other in order to allow for refrigerant flow between the two connectors, functioning similarly to a conventional airlock. The connectors facilitate a near simultaneous and instantaneous opening of the airlock when connected.

Additionally, a manual valve (75) (rotating) is disposed at the connection points for the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30) on both the indoor unit and outdoor unit, for a total of four additional valves (one for each connector). As such, a total of eight valves are employed for the proper connection of the pre-charged refrigerant piping (30) to both the indoor unit (10) and outdoor unit (20) of the present invention. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, each pipe end is preferably labeled with a corresponding alpha-numeric character, which matches an alpha-numeric character disposed on each pre-charged refrigerant piping connection point, i.e ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ ‘D,’ etc. It should be understood that the manual valves (75) are only to be opened after the quick-connect connectors (500, 510) are firmly seated and locked into position.

Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

I claim:
 1. A self-contained refrigerant connection system for installation of a ductless HVAC system to a structure comprising: attaching a mounting plate to an interior wall of the structure at the selected installation location; drilling a hole through the interior wall which passes through an exterior wall, the hole being adjacent to the mounting plate; wherein the hole slopes five degrees downward from the interior wall to the exterior wall; placing a protective wall cuff into the hole; wrapping pre-charged refrigerant piping, a drain pipe, and a signal cable into a bundle; wherein the pre-charged refrigerant piping contains pre-balanced refrigerant which does not require additional charging upon installation; feeding the bundle through the hole; attaching an indoor unit to the mounting plate; wherein the indoor unit is an air handler; wherein said pre-charged refrigerant piping, drain pipe, and signal cable are affixed to the indoor unit; wherein said drain pipe is disposed at a bottom of the bundle; placing an outdoor unit on a solid surface, outside of the structure, below the hole; anchoring the outdoor unit to the solid surface; connecting the signal cable of the bundle to a signal cable terminal of the outdoor unit; connecting a power cable to a power cable terminal block of the outdoor unit; wherein the pre-charged refrigerant piping has two ends; wherein the pre-charged refrigerant piping is equipped with two female quick-connect connectors, one disposed at each end; wherein each female quick-connect connector is equipped with a coupling, a spring, a housing, and a pin; wherein the housing contains the spring and the pin; wherein the coupling is configured to accept a male quick-connect connector; wherein male quick-connect connectors are disposed on the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; connecting the female quick-connect connectors of the pre-charged refrigerant piping of the bundle to the male quick-connect connectors of the outdoor unit; wherein, upon connection of the female quick-connect connectors to the male quick-connect connectors, the pins of each female quick-connect connector are depressed, opening internal quick-release valves of the pre-charged refrigerant piping; turning valves disposed on the outdoor unit to an open position, releasing refrigerant from the pre-charged refrigerant piping into the outdoor unit; turning valves disposed on the indoor unit to an open position, releasing refrigerant from the pre-charged refrigerant piping into the indoor unit; wherein the outdoor unit contains a condenser; connecting a power cable of the indoor unit to a household power supply; and connecting the power cable of the outdoor unit to a household power supply. 